The CPF Education Loan Scheme is meant for students studying for full-time courses because these courses are heavily subsidised by the government. Also, these students have no income and are likely to have difficulties paying their tuition fees with their own cash savings. Most of them are young adults going straight from school or national service to the universities, polytechnics or arts colleges.

Part-time courses are generally tailored for working adults who are in a better position to pay their tuition fees as they have their own income. If they do not have enough savings for a part-time course, they can defer and build up enough personal savings to pay for their course fees later. Part-time students can therefore plan ahead with greater flexibility to ensure that they can meet the tuition fees.